Miguel Santos, sound installation, "inventing methodologies2" (2007), Goldsmiths.

“Meaning - the dictatorship of its use”

The investigation I have been developing addresses the artwork, as conceived by the artist, as an experience materialized in the interface that actively engages the observer and reflects their role in its realisation. In this context the artist acknowledges the enactive and open role of the observer in the interpretation of the work. The observer acts to perceive and interpret the interface and thus contributes to the construction of the artwork. A similar perspective can be proposed regarding the research practice. The practice of research, being practice-based or theoretical-based, is grounded in the activity of doing it combined with its perception and interpretation.
Noë (2004), expanding Varela et al. (1993), suggests an active role for the observer through the proposition of an enactive view, in which perception implies some form of action and understanding. Wittgenstein (1968) proposes meaning as its use. Practice-based research derives its legitimacy from its use and understanding, and the same applies to theoretical-based research.  The focus should be on the use of language and not on its form, although its form will ground its use.
The proposed research project will be presented in the form of an interface (audio installation) that is defined by 4 audio channels (or more, according to the space). The various audio channels are a pre-recording reading of the same research paper but played out of sync in the same space. Its use will dictate its meaning.
- Noë, A. (2004), Action in Perception, MIT press.
- Varela, F., Thompson, E., Rosch, E. (1993), The Embodied Mind, Cognitive Science and Human Experience, MIT Press
- Wittgenstein, L. (1968) Philosophical Investigations, G.E.M. Anscombe (trans.), Basil Blackwell Press.